Small grant scheme

The Cambridge Interfaith Programme operates a small grant scheme for members of the Interfaith Research Forum. The goal is to facilitate new and interdisciplinary activity.

We aim to keep the application process as simple as possible, so that the scheme can provide researchers at the University of Cambridge with easy access to modest sums. The scheme can be used as a source of match-funding where appropriate. 

The following terms were approved by the Cambridge Interfaith Programme Management Committee in March 2026, amending those first established in November 2022.

Postgraduate members and those who have recently completed a PhD are eligible and encouraged to apply. However, all applications must include explicit support from an academic member of staff. Therefore, postgraduate applicants are expected to make a joint application and indicate clearly their senior academic supporter.

Subject to a clear and realistic written proposal, Forum Members (whether from the Faculty or by affiliation) may apply for funds to catalyse inter-religious inquiry as follows:

Value and scope

Indicative awards (per applicant)

Exceptions and priorities

Larger sums may be awarded where:

• A proposal is brought by two or more Forum members collectively, especially where this represents an interdisciplinary partnership (up to twice the standard maximum and not exceeding £500, subject to clear justification)
• A proposal demonstrates marked alignment with specified priorities including (subject to annual review):
  • advancing scholarship addressing the role of religion (broadly considered) in advancing or resisting conflict
  • a commitment to diversifying the community of scholars engaged in religious and/or theological scholarship and discourse at the University of Cambridge
  • the fostering of new partnerships with practitioners with a view to knowledge exchange
• At the discretion of the CIP Management Committee, where an application shows unusual merit with regard to potential impact and outcomes, especially if alternative funding avenues have been exhausted and/or on the condition of match funding being obtained.

Expenditure and reimbursement

Rules governing appropriate expenditure will follow the University of Cambridge’s existing regulations. 

Eligible costs will normally be of one or more of the following types:

• Reimbursement of expenses for active participants (e.g., speakers’ travel)
• Provision of appropriate refreshments
• Payment of a professional fee (e.g., for technical support)

Where funds are used to purchase a reusable asset, the asset should normally be offered to the Cambridge Interfaith Programme for use in its activities (including those of Forum Members) in the first instance.

Claims must be made in a timely fashion (normally within 6 weeks of being incurred, and never more than 3 months) using the applicable system.

Conditions

All awards are subject to the following conditions:

• Applications should include a clear indication of the costs with justification. (The level of detail anticipated is proportionate to the sum requested.)
• Publicity should make clear that the Cambridge Interfaith Programme is a sponsor (or co-sponsor) of the activity, and incorporate the web address or other means of contacting the Programme (as e.g., social media handle, email address).
• Where funding supports an event, an activity report (minimum 200 words) must be supplied within one week of the event taking place. This will be required prior to or alongside any request for reimbursement. Reports should be suitable for online publication. Follow-up questions (e.g., where an aspect of the report is not clear) should be responded to promptly. Where funding supports another form of activity, a version of the agreed proposal should be prepared for online publication before any funds are committed, and an activity report will be required upon completion of the activity (or within an agreed timeframe, where activities outlive the award period).
• Any problems or complaints linked to the activity should be reported to the CIP Programme Manager.

How to apply

Applications should be made using the online form (see bottom of page). 

The form can also be used to submit an enquiry, prior to submitting a full application. 

The scheme operates on a rolling basis, subject to funds available. The funding pot is refreshed three times each year, at 1 August (MT), 1 December (LT) and 1 April (ET).

Except with the explicit support of CIP Management Committee, no applicant shall be able to apply for or receive awards with total value greater than £500 within a single year (three consecutive periods). Academic staff may therefore exercise discernment about what to support and when. 

FAQ

I have filled out the Membership form and am awaiting a decision. Can I apply to the scheme?

We can consider applications from people who have applied to join.  No award will be agreed until a decision has been made regarding membership. In such circumstances, we will aim to provide a constructive response during the waiting period.

When can I expect a response?

We aim to respond to Members' applications within 5 working days. The initial response may include requests for clarification, especially where you have submitted an enquiry or requested larger sums. 

During staff absence there may be a longer waiting period.

If you apply for an amount higher than the indicated thresholds, your application may require referral to the CIP Management Committee, resulting in an extended decision period.

I am a postgraduate member and I have identified a senior supporter but they are not listed as a member of the Research Forum. What happens?

Academic staff in Divinity can opt in to Forum membership. 

Academic staff outside Divinity should either apply for membership using the main form, or send an email to grants@interfaith.cam.ac.uk confirming their support for the activity and providing either a current CV or a link to their Cambridge research profile.

I have plans for an event in N months’ time. Can I apply now?

We seek to distribute funds in a way that supports relevant activity through the year. The available pot reflects the planned dates for the prospective activity and any existing commitments. Therefore, it is sensible to apply at the earliest opportunity so that funds can be reserved.

Examples:

An application made in November for an event happening in May could result in funds being ringfenced from the April to July (ET) pot. 

It is also possible to apply in January for activity in February or March, provided the December–March (LT) funding pot is not yet fully allocated. 

What happens if the funding for a period has already been exhausted?

At the discretion of the fund managers, if the pot from a previous period was not exhausted, these funds may be made available for a compelling application at a later point in the year. 

Funds from April to July (ET) will not normally be carried forward to the next financial year as the overall budget is reviewed and set annually.

Page last updated: 16 March 2026